On May 4, 1995, an Antonov AN-2 (registration RA-19550) operated by ROSTO was involved in an aviation accident near Sibay, Russia during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew failed to prepare the flight according to published procedures and failed to follow the pre-takeoff checklist; the tail assembly was locked with a clamp that was installed by a ground mechanic and not removed prior to departure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A special flight carrying seven occupants crashed shortly after takeoff from Sibay, killing one pilot and two passengers. The aircraft was destroyed and four others were injured.
Accident Overview
A special flight departed Sibay bound for Magnitogorsk on a mission to fly over the Ural River to study and predict flood activity. The aircraft carried five members of the Civil Defense and two pilots. During initial climb after takeoff, the crew initiated a left turn when the aircraft entered an uncontrolled descent. It struck the ground in a nose-down attitude of 40 degrees approximately 1,280 meters from the end of the runway.
Casualties and Damage
One pilot and two passengers were killed in the accident. Four other occupants sustained injuries. The aircraft was destroyed.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the crew failed to prepare the flight according to published procedures and failed to follow the pre-takeoff checklist. It was also found that the tail assembly was locked with a clamp that had been installed by a ground mechanic and was not removed prior to departure.
Probable cause
The crew failed to prepare the flight according to published procedures and failed to follow the pre-takeoff checklist; the tail assembly was locked with a clamp that was installed by a ground mechanic and not removed prior to departure.